PCF Resource Cleanup for Stale BSF Binding Records in 5G Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G communications networks, stale or inactive protocol data unit (PDU) session binding records at the binding support function (BSF) lead to resource wastage and inefficiencies, as they contain inaccurate information, causing delays in service provision due to non-operational policy control functions (PCFs) and requiring consumer NFs to perform unnecessary queries and reconnections.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where the policy control function (PCF) receives notifications from the BSF about potentially stale binding records, uses context data to determine the need for cleanup, and initiates resource cleanup across relevant network entities, including the BSF, session management function (SMF), unified data repository (UDR), and charging function (CHF), even for NFs lacking stale session detection capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stale binding records are maintained in the BSF database, then the system preserves historical binding information, but resources are wasted and service delays occur due to inaccurate information
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cleanup by proactively identifying and removing stale binding records before they cause service delays. The BSF periodically scans its database, detects records exceeding a threshold age, and initiates cleanup procedures in advance, preventing the accumulation of inaccurate information that would waste network resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the BSF receives notifications from network functions about active bindings and uses this feedback to identify stale records. When no updates are received within a certain period, the system determines records are stale and triggers cleanup, creating a closed-loop system that maintains information accuracy while conserving resources.
2Reliability
If consumer NFs perform discovery queries to obtain updated PCF binding information, then accurate service routing is achieved, but service delays occur due to multiple contact points
Solution Approach 1:
The BSF proactively identifies and removes stale binding records before consumer NFs attempt to use them, ensuring that only current, accurate binding information remains in the database. This preliminary cleanup prevents consumer NFs from encountering outdated PCF information, eliminating the need for repeated discovery queries and reducing service delivery delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by maintaining an automatically updated, accurate binding database at the BSF through periodic scans and proactive cleanup. Consumer NFs can directly query the BSF for reliable binding information without needing to perform complex discovery sequences involving multiple network functions, as the BSF self-maintains data accuracy through its cleanup mechanisms.
3Productivity
If the BSF periodically scans and cleans up stale binding records, then resource efficiency is improved, but additional processing overhead is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The BSF implements periodic scanning at configured intervals rather than continuous monitoring, balancing resource efficiency with processing overhead. The system scans the binding database at predetermined time intervals, identifying and removing stale records only when necessary, thus improving resource utilization while avoiding excessive processing complexity from constant monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of scanning frequency based on network conditions and resource availability. The BSF can adjust the interval between scans dynamically, using longer intervals when resources are constrained and shorter intervals when resources are abundant, thereby optimizing the balance between resource efficiency and processing overhead according to current system state.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for resource cleanup in communications networks are disclosed. One method for resource cleanup in a communications network comprises: at a policy control function (PCF) comprising at least one processor: receiving, from a binding support function (BSF), a first notification indicating a potentially stale or inactive first binding record, wherein the first notification includes context data associated with the first binding record; determining that resource cleanup associated with the first binding record should be performed; and initiating, using the context data, resource cleanup associated with the first binding record at one or more network entities.